Claims-based identity, and federated identity is a huge topic these days. It is a very powerful technology based on open standards. It helps you work organizations outside of your four walls, and removes the security overhead from the hands of the developers.
All of their guides are excellent reading.
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http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff423674.aspx
Too lazy to read? I mean, too busy? I get ya’. Here are some videos that will get you over the conceptual hump.